Chapter 181

The moment Evelyn stepped into the grand ballroom, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the elite crowd, their whispers sharp enough to cut through the air. She tightened her grip on Nathaniel's arm, grounding herself in his presence.

"Relax," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "They're just curious."

She forced a smile, but her pulse betrayed her. This wasn't just any event—it was the annual Martin Charity Gala, and for the first time, she wasn't attending as an outsider. She was Nathaniel Martin's wife.

Across the room, Isabella Davis stood with her entourage, her crimson gown a deliberate contrast to Evelyn's understated elegance. Their gazes locked, and Evelyn didn't miss the challenge in Isabella's smirk.

"Don't let her get to you," Caroline whispered, appearing at Evelyn's side with a glass of champagne. "She's just bitter."

Evelyn exhaled. "I know. But she knows exactly how to push my buttons."

Before Caroline could reply, Edward Martin approached, his cane tapping against the marble floor. "Evelyn," he greeted warmly. "I trust you're settling in well?"

She nodded. "Yes, thank you."

His sharp eyes flickered toward Isabella. "Ignore the distractions. Tonight is about the foundation."

Nathaniel squeezed her hand. "We should greet the guests."

As they moved through the crowd, Evelyn caught snippets of conversation—some admiring, others skeptical. A woman in a silver dress leaned toward her companion. "Do you think she's really cut out for this life?"

Evelyn's jaw clenched, but Nathaniel's fingers brushed the small of her back, steadying her.

Then, the music shifted. The crowd parted as Sebastian Wilson, Summit Realty's CEO, strode toward them with Jonathan Blake in tow.

"Martin," Sebastian said, extending a hand. "Impressive turnout."

Nathaniel shook it. "Glad you could make it."

Sebastian's gaze slid to Evelyn. "And the lovely Mrs. Martin. I hear your latest project is causing quite a stir."

She smiled politely. "We aim to innovate."

Jonathan cleared his throat. "Actually, we were hoping to discuss a potential collaboration."

Before Evelyn could respond, a crash echoed from the buffet table. Rosalind, the new chef, stood frozen as a tower of champagne glasses shattered at her feet.

Murmurs erupted.

Nathaniel sighed. "Excuse us."

As they moved to handle the commotion, Evelyn caught Isabella's smirk widening.

This night was far from over.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, hesitating before she spoke. "I'd rather not say. It might... taint your ears."

Charlotte blinked, then smirked. "Evelyn, don’t tell me you two had sex in the car?"

Evelyn’s expression stiffened. "Don’t be ridiculous."

"Ridiculous? Then why won’t you tell me?"

"Keep talking like that, and you’ll be sleeping on the balcony tonight."

"Evelyn, are you blushing? Trying to silence the only witness?"

Evelyn shot her a look, deciding explanations were pointless. Instead, she said coolly, "I just wanted to remind you—don’t influence my baby."

Charlotte finally dropped the subject.

They had a simple dinner at home, but Charlotte woke up starving in the middle of the night. Knowing Evelyn was pregnant, she didn’t ask her to cook. And since she couldn’t cook herself, she ordered takeout.

What should’ve been a harmless late-night snack turned into a disaster. Before dawn, she was curled up in the hospital with gastroenteritis, her face pale with pain.

Evelyn sighed, watching her wince. "This is what happens when you sneak junk food. Don’t ever do this again."

Charlotte groaned. "Stop lecturing me. I’ve suffered enough—spare me."

Despite her scolding, Evelyn took care of her. The emergency room was packed, so they had to sit in the hallway for the IV.

By morning, Charlotte was finally admitted. After settling her in the ward, Evelyn went to collect the prescribed medication.

Exhausted from the sleepless night, she yawned as she headed to the payment counter, barely registering the figures approaching her.

"Evelyn? Are you unwell?" Isabella’s soft voice cut through her fatigue.

Evelyn looked up to see Nathaniel and Isabella just steps away. Nathaniel wore a tailored black suit under a sleek trench coat, his sharp features softened slightly by the hospital’s fluorescent lights. Beside him, Isabella smiled politely.

Evelyn’s gaze flickered between them before landing on Nathaniel.

He frowned. "What’s wrong? Are you sick?"

"Not me. Charlotte’s stomach is acting up." She glanced at the payment line. "I’m just getting her meds."

She moved to leave, but Nathaniel caught her wrist.

Evelyn tensed. "Nathaniel?"

His grip tightened slightly, sensing her withdrawal. His voice, though low, carried an edge. "I’ll have Samuel help you."

"That’s unnecessary. I can manage."

"Evelyn." His tone darkened.

She exhaled, pulling her hand free. "She’s fine. The doctor just wants to observe her for a day."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and joined the queue, feeling his gaze burning into her back.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, irritation flashing across his face.

Isabella touched his arm gently. "Is she upset because of me?"

He didn’t answer, his expression grim.

"Go after her," Isabella urged. "I’ll wait with my mother. The doctor won’t be here for a while anyway."